At first, Tyler Conklin had no thought what to anticipate.
He’d heard loads about Aaron Rodgers — “Aaron this, Aaron that,” he stated — and frolicked watching how the longer term Corridor of Fame quarterback used tight ends whereas orchestrating offenses.
However their likelihood to attach in video games was restricted to the ultimate preseason contest.
After one other offseason, and with Rodgers now recovered from his torn Achilles, Conklin has began to grasp Rodgers extra.
To know when he has the liberty to improvise. To know when he wants to remain perched in a sure spot.
Even with the Jets’ quarterback turmoil final yr, Conklin tied his career-high with 61 catches and set a profession mark with 621 receiving yards, and in 2024, the 29-year-old — getting into the ultimate yr of his contract — might be positioned for one more breakthrough yr.
“I really feel like there’s lot on the market left for me, loads left on the bone for me to go and present what I can do on the soccer subject,” Conklin stated.
He has flashed that potential all through camp, together with Aug. 12 when he snagged a one-handed catch.
He stated having a unit with “cohesion” will assist him make strides when blocking for runs.
In 2023, Conklin was the fixed alongside shuffling tackles, guards and facilities — a revolving door at most spots.
And there have been loads of moments final yr when, even with out Rodgers, Conklin was probably the most constant receiver behind Garrett Wilson.
He caught six passes towards the Chargers on Nov. 6, then one other seven the next week.
He was a safety blanket for Zach Wilson, Tim Boyle and Trevor Siemian, however for the primary time since 2019, Conklin failed to succeed in the tip zone.
The Jets signed Mike Williams to function their No. 2 wideout this offseason, whereas others, along with Wilson, will command targets from Rodgers, too.
However Conklin’s position as the highest tight finish stays intact, and it has allowed him to construct on the moments from final offseason when the pair operated collectively for the primary time.
Typically, even when he doesn’t find yourself with the ball, Conklin can sense he did one thing proper — that he’s on the identical web page with Rodgers — by merely doing one thing the 40-year-old QB likes.
Possibly a sensible learn in the midst of the play. Possibly the proper pocket in zone protection.
These had been the moments that didn’t have an opportunity to translate into video games final yr. This time, although, they may kind a pivotal basis for a pivotal connection inside the offense.
“I feel all people’s sort of had these moments with him the place they’re, ‘OK, like, we’re meshing increasingly every single day,’ ” Conklin stated. “And I feel these moments simply maintain taking place and issues maintain getting higher and higher.”
